Abstract
The tectonic evolution of the Sub‐Himalayan longitudinal intermontane valleys, called ‘Duns’, in the Kumaun region of India is not yet understood as the thick forest cover and extensive anthropogenic modifications of the landscape have made it difficult to identify the various tectonic and geomorphic features. In this paper we present a conceptual model of the tectonic evolution of Kota and Pawalgarh Duns of the region, based on interpretation of digitally processed IRS P6 LISS III imagery and analyses of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in a Geographic Information System (GIS), together with field investigations. The Duns were formed as the fault‐bend folded hills came up in front of the southern piedmont zone of the frontal Himalaya along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) and the Pawalgarh Fault. The landscape of the Duns is further modified as a result of movement along subsequently developed transverse faults.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for funding the FIST programme and a research project (DST No. SR/S4/ES‐131/2005) in the Department of Geology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India. We also thank the University Grants Commission, India for facilities generated under SAP III. Constructive comments and suggestions from two anonymous reviewers have been very useful in improving the manuscript.